Cancer Doesn't Discriminate: The True Stories of Breast Cancer Victims

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when people come together to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of breast cancer. It’s also an important reminder that even though this disease affects so many, it doesn’t discriminate; women of every race, religion and socioeconomic class are vulnerable to breast cancer. The stories below represent just some of the millions of women in the United States who have battled breast cancer or have been impacted by it, and survived.

Why Breast Cancer Awareness Month Matters

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's a time to remember those who have been affected by the disease. The unfortunate truth is that anyone can get breast cancer. Whether you're a woman, man or child, it just takes one bad mutation in the DNA to cause cells to grow out of control and form into a tumor. This month serves as an opportunity for people all over the world to educate themselves on this life-threatening disease and provide support for those who are living with or have survived breast cancer. Here are some insights from people who have experienced this ordeal firsthand about what it means to be diagnosed with breast cancer. I was very fortunate in the sense that I had two young children and a loving husband, said Sheena Lewis, age 38. It was like someone threw me down an escalator going 500 miles per hour. Sheena was 26 years old when she got her diagnosis and underwent a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy treatments. It took her five years before she felt whole again - but today she feels more confident than ever before. In spite of everything that happened, she says, life is too short to stay unhappy. I believe we should live every day as if it's our last, no matter how many days we might have left. That really resonated with me because sometimes, we never know when something catastrophic will happen. We could be walking outside at night and get hit by a car without even knowing what hit us because these things happen so quickly. So don't wait until tomorrow to do something you've always wanted to do! Go out tonight and get dinner with your best friend instead of watching TV at home. Throw a party where everyone brings their favorite dish instead of hosting one where you cook everything yourself. And spend quality time with your family, because they are the ones that matter most in your life. Be happy, because life is too short not to enjoy every moment possible.

The Facts About Breast Cancer

In the United States, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. It's also the second leading cause of death in women. In 2016, it's estimated that 230,000 new cases will be diagnosed and 40,000 women will die from it. Breast cancer affects people of all races and ages. But African-American women are more likely to get it and die from it. Asian/Pacific Islander women have lower rates but higher mortality rates when they do get it. Younger people are also at a higher risk for developing breasts and dying from it. Men can also get breast cancer - as many as 2 in 100 men develop this type of cancer during their lifetime. The symptoms of breast cancer in men include lumps or masses in the breast area, swelling or redness of one nipple only, nipple discharge other than milk and/or any change in size or shape of the breasts. These symptoms may not always mean that you have breast cancer so make sure to talk with your doctor if you notice any changes. Early detection could save your life! 

The Reality Behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month: According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Early detection is key. Research has shown that early detection leads to longer survival rates. Early diagnosis means treatment starts sooner and there's less chance of the cancer spreading. Although every woman should be aware of her body and know what might signal possible signs of breast cancer, October was declared National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by then-President George H. W. Bush back in 1991 to increase awareness about the disease. We need to continue raising awareness because too many lives are still lost each year because we didn't know sooner what was happening inside our bodies. One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

Some Common Symptoms

The first symptom of breast cancer is usually a lump or an area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast. They can also appear as red, scaly patches on the nipple; changes in size and shape, such as swelling or dimpling; or discharge from the nipple. Other symptoms may include pain in one area, soreness, skin irritation, and lumps near lymph nodes. It's important to note that most people who get breast cancer do not have any symptoms at all. 

There are several different types of cancers, each with its own form and level of aggressiveness, including invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which makes up 70% of all cases; invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), which makes up 15% to 20%; and other types. Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of cancer. For IDCs, some treatments include lumpectomy (removal of only the tumor) followed by radiation therapy, mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast), or both mastectomy and radiation therapy if necessary. ILCs require chemotherapy, but because they are less aggressive, they often respond better to treatment. Treatment methods for these cancers depend on factors such as age and stage. Some of the more advanced stages involve chemo drugs like methotrexate, vinblastine, etoposide, adriamycin and bleomycin. With early detection, there is hope for survival rates greater than 98%. In addition, while many women opt to have surgery after diagnosis, others choose to receive hormone therapy instead. Cancer doesn't discriminate between gender and race so it's important that everyone knows their risk factor and gets regular screenings.

All too often we hear about someone we know getting diagnosed with breast cancer-whether it be a friend or family member-and suddenly their name becomes synonymous with the disease itself. So what exactly does this mean? What happens when someone has been diagnosed? How does it feel? How does it change them? 

How to Help a Survivor

Empowering a survivor is as easy as making them feel loved and supported. When someone has been through something so difficult, it can be hard to know what they might need from you. Here are some ways you can help:

-Tell them that you love and care for them by taking the time to talk with them and make sure they know they're not alone.

-Offer to go with them for treatments or appointments - it's important for survivors to have someone there who will listen without judgment. 

-Offer a listening ear. You don't have to say anything; just letting them share their story is enough sometimes. Offer hugs when needed. Remember how much your words can mean during this process. 

-Provide comfort food like a favorite dish or treat. Let them indulge in things that remind them of home if they're feeling homesick. 

-Visit! The simple act of showing up at their door and saying hello is one way to show you care. Don't forget to send cards or messages on social media. Survivors often tell me that those little gestures meant more than I could ever imagine, especially on days where I was feeling weak. It's important to remember that not all days are good days, and telling them it will get better does nothing but put pressure on them to be happy when maybe they aren't yet ready for happiness. Supportive friends can be lifesavers.

S.A.V.E.R.S (Survivor Appreciation, Voices for Empowerment, Recurrence Support)

As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's important to remember that the disease is indiscriminate. No matter who you are or where you live, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in her life. We hope that by sharing these stories, we can give a voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves and empower those who have already fought their battle.

1) Mary was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma - which turned out to be stage IV breast cancer - just six months after giving birth to her daughter. 

2) Julia was told she had malignant melanoma on her skin five years ago and spent time battling colon cancer as well as numerous surgeries from both cancers.

3) Maggie's medical history includes an emergency hysterectomy when she was 23 years old and a diagnosis with Crohn's Disease. She also has two children. A lumpectomy led to chemotherapy and radiation, but now she finds herself living without hope because of metastases found in her bones. To help, S.A.V.E.R.S provides support groups, educational materials and networking opportunities for all people affected by breast cancer- including husbands/partners, siblings/children, friends/co-workers etc., they know they're not alone!

10 Ways to Make Breast Cancer Awareness Month Special For Yourself or a Survivor in Your Life

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity for the public to show their support for those who are fighting against the disease. By engaging in a few small acts each day, you can make a difference in someone's life. Here are 10 easy ways to make Breast Cancer Awareness Month special for yourself or someone you love this month.

1) Buy a pink ribbon from your favorite store and wear it with pride all month long

2) Set aside time every week to spend with friends and loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer or are living with it now - they need your support more than ever this time of year!

3) Give gifts that remind people you care about them all year long, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether it be a handmade bracelet, hand-made scarf, or even something as simple as a homemade card expressing your sentiments, think about giving them things that will stay with them for years to come instead of things that will end up in the trash after one use.

4) Do some volunteer work at your local hospital or hospice center - these organizations often rely heavily on volunteers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help out around their facilities so they can focus on serving patients best. 

5) Write letters of encouragement to other survivors - here are some tips on what you should include in yours if you're interested in sending one! 

6) Get creative and come up with something new this month (like painting something pink!) 

7) Send a thank-you note to someone who has helped you 

8) Wear pink shoes 

9) Write down any words of wisdom you hear from others dealing with breast cancer 

10) Share your own story - there's nothing better than inspiring hope through our own personal experiences.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month shouldn’t only be about putting money into campaigns and going for walks; it should also serve as an important reminder that people are still going through it every day, which is why I wanted to start a blog post series where we share our personal experiences with this disease. 

It’s amazing how many different forms breast cancer takes because no two people experience it in the same way.